#Semifinals18: CP Joshi unconditionally apologises for tasteless remark on PM Modi, but too late for Congress?

New Delhi: Shortly after Congress rresident Rahul Gandhi on Friday disapproved of party leader CP Joshi's remarks that have been termed as casteist, and asked him to express regret – Joshi issued an unconditional apology to "any section of the society" he may have hurt.

कांग्रेस के सिद्धांतो एवं कार्यकर्ताओं की भावनाओं का सम्मान करते हुए मेरे कथन से समाज के किसी वर्ग को ठेस पहुँची हो तो मैं उसके लिए खेद प्रकट करता हूँ ।

— Dr. C.P. Joshi (@drcpjoshi) November 23, 2018

In a tweet in Hindi, Rahul said Joshi's remarks do not reflect, and are contrary, to the ideals of the Congress party, as he urged party leaders to refrain from making such statements.

"CP Joshi's remark is contrary to the Congress party's ideals. Party leaders should not give such statement that hurts any segment of the society," he said. "While respecting the Congress party's principles and the sentiments of party workers, I am sure Joshiji will realise his mistake. He should express regret over his remarks," Gandhi said on Twitter.

सी पी जोशी जी का बयान कांग्रेस पार्टी के आदर्शों के विपरीत है। पार्टी के नेता ऐसा कोई बयान न दें जिससे समाज के किसी भी वर्ग को दुःख पहुँचे।

कांग्रेस के सिद्धांतों, कार्यकर्ताओं की भावना का आदर करते हुए जोशीजी को जरूर गलती का अहसास होगा। उन्हें अपने बयान पर खेद प्रकट करना चाहिए।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 23, 2018

Addressing a poll meeting in Rajasthan on Thursday, Joshi had reportedly said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP MP Uma Bharti and Hindu activist Sadhvi Ritambhara are from "lower castes" and know nothing of Hinduism. He said it is the Brahmins who are learned and know of Hinduism.

The remarks come ahead of Assembly elections in Rajasthan on December 7 and Madhya Pradesh on November 28 and have the potential of alienating lower caste voters.

With PTI inputs